First Team News

Dunne impressed by new management team

Richard Dunne leads team out of tunnel 0708

Richard Dunne has hailed the impact of the new City management team of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Hans Backe.

With the Blues basking in the glow of two wins and no goals conceded, the skipper thinks that the methods of the Swedish pairing are there for all to see.

Richard says: "They are very relaxed, what we are doing is very simple but it's not been put across to us like that before. There are no nerves or tension, everyone goes into training knowing what we are doing.

"We are working constantly, we've not had a lot of time to get things right and as Hans has said, if we are not performing well but are solid at the back that will pick up points for us.

"We've worked a lot on our team shape and defensive duties, and two clean sheets so far have got us the results and the base to push on from."

First impressions are that Sven is the thinker and Hans is the shouter, but Richard says the reality is somewhat different.

"I wouldn't say Hans is much of a shouter either! He's similar to the Manager, they put their points over in an orderly manner, there's no screaming or shouting.

"They are both very knowledgeable and determined in what they want, they go over things with us to make sure we get it right."

The City squad now gather in a hotel ahead of a home match to finalise their preparations, another change that meets with the skipper's approval.

"The preparation is different, the Manager encourages us to spend a lot more time together to try to build a better atmosphere because it's a new squad.

"We're fortunate because everyone gets on really well, most of the new lads can speak to each other and the football is showing it."